Gaming versus gambling
Few people know the difference between these two similar but quite opposite concepts: gaming and gambling.
The word “gambling” is generally used to discuss an activity that may violate applicable criminal laws. The word “gaming” is usually reserved for those instances where the activity has been specifically legalized by applicable laws or where the activity is exempted from the criminal laws.
Gambling has a specific economic definition, referring to wagering money or something of material value on an event with an uncertain outcome with the primary intent of winning additional money and/or material goods. Typically, the outcome of the wager is evident within a short period of time.
The term gaming in this context typically refers to instances in which the activity has been specifically permitted by law.
Nevertheless, the two words are not mutually exclusive. For example, a “gaming” company offers “gambling” activities to the public. Thus, playing a casino-style game at a for-profit website online in the United States is referred to as gambling, since no state has yet finalized any law specifically authorizing a for-profit website operator to offer any casino games. Therefore, a gaming activity could turn out to be gambling where applicable laws regulating that particular gaming are violated.
Similarly, a gambling activity may turn out to be gaming if it is exempted from a given criminal statute.
Some people assume the word gaming was created as a way to “re-invent” the casino industry. But history tells a different story. The word “gaming”, defined as the action or habit of playing at games of chance for stakes, actually dates back to 1510, predating use of the word “gambling” by 265 years.
The words “gambler”, “gambling” and “gamble” all were considered slang when they came into use in the 18th century, implying that the activity involved unduly high stakes. The word “gamble” was essentially considered a term of reproach, according to The Oxford English Dictionary, and would only be used by those who “condemn playing for money altogether.”
In 1891, even The Anti-Gambling Association referred to the activity as “gaming” in a publication: “Before the third crusade, there was no check upon the gaming vice, and no limit to the stakes. ? During subsequent reigns gaming, although generally condemned, was vigorously pursued.”
Casinos in Nevada have been referred to as part of the “gaming” industry ever since they were legalized there in 1931. As the industry expanded outside of Nevada, it continued to carry that name. As opposed to the business term “gaming”, the word “gamble” is now commonly used to refer to the actual activity. A 1987 reference dictionary uses the two terms interchangeably, defining gaming as ?the playing of games of chance for stakes; gambling.” (”Dictionary of Gambling and Gaming”, by Thomas L. Clark, 1987)